BAFTA-Qualifying Festivals for British Short Animation (2027 List)

ZF Team 30 July 2026

Since 2025, EE BAFTA Awards have advanced a list of qualifying festivals for British Short Film and British Short Animation.

Unlike live-action shorts, British animation shorts were not previously selected via a list of qualifying film festivals, making the eventual longlist and BAFTA nominations less aligned to the actual festival world -in which British animation shorts also participate.

This has changed with the 2006 EE BAFTA Awards edition; for the first time, a list of qualifying festivals for British animation shorts was also introduced. And it has been cemented for the current 2007 edition, unveiling a qualifying festival list.

As expected, British animation shorts (under 40 minutes) must have had a significant creative involvement by individuals who are British; the rules state specifically that they must be UK passport holders or permanent residents in the UK for at least six years up to and including the eligibility period.

Regarding festivals, in particular, shorts entering into the British Short Animation category must qualify via a minimum of one BAFTA qualifying festival. (BAFTA rules include both competition and non-competition screenings). Shorts must have had their first screening at a festival between 1 June 2025 and 23 October 2026 to be considered for the 2027 BAFTA Awards.

Shorts will need to receive confirmation that they have been programmed at a qualifying festival. (Check the full rules)

The following 50 festivals qualify British animation shorts for the 2027 EE BAFTA Awards. The list is divided into UK and international festivals.

The full list of British Short Animation qualifying festivals

Festivals with a link are also featured in our animation festival database

Aesthetica Short Film Festival
BAFTA Cymru – Nominated
BAFTA Scotland – Nominated
BFI London Film Festival
Bolton Film Festival
Brighton International Animation Festival
British Animation Awards
British Independent Film Awards – Nominated
Cardiff Animation Festival
Carmarthen Bay Film Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Encounters Festival
Foyle Film Festival
Glasgow Short Film Festival
Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Leeds International Film Festival
London International Animation Festival
London Short Film Festival
Manchester Animation Festival
Norwich Film Festival
Oska Bright Film Festival
Raindance Film Festival
SQIFF (Scottish Queer International Film Festival)
Yugo BAFTA Student Awards